BLACKBURN manager Mark Hughes has admitted that fourth place could be beyond his players - unless he can unearth a hidden gem before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Rovers are still in contention for a Champions League place after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa left them four points behind fourth-placed Everton, who they face at Ewood on Saturday.

However, with rivals like Portsmouth possessing the resources to spend big in the January window, Hughes fears Rovers will end up getting squeezed out in the race to finish fourth, leaving them to focus on a UEFA Cup spot instead.

Asked to assess his side's credentials, the Rovers boss said: "Maybe some teams will be able to make a play for that position (4th) but whether or not we've got the resources to be able to do that, only time will tell.

"If we're honest, it's probably beyond us; maybe a UEFA Cup place, which we've been able to achieve in the past is within our grasp, but a Champions League place is very difficult for a club with the resources we've got.

"If you look in the top ten of the Premier League, we stand out as the one that hasn't spent any money, really; the vast majority of clubs we are in and around have spent vast amounts.

"We haven't been able to, much as we'd like to on occasions, but we get the best out of the players we've got and I think that's to our credit."

Hughes is still pursuing a target - believed to be a striker - with three days to go before the deadline.

But it looks as though he has missed out on his top midfield target because his club don't want to sell him in the window.

A number of trialists, including the former Longford striker Dave Mooney, are also waiting on a decision from Hughes.